Stachys byzantina 'Silky Fleece'

RHS Plant Profile

lamb's ear 'Silky Fleece'

Herbaceous Perennial

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A mat-forming perennial to 10cm tall, with rosettes of small, soft, densely silver-woolly leaves. In summer it produces erect spikes of pink flowers. A good tactile plant for a sensory garden

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H6
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Semi evergreen
Habit: Matforming
Genus: Stachys can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with paired leaves which are sometimes unpleasantly aromatic, and erect spikes or racemes of whorled, 2-lipped flowers
Name Status: Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun; plants are reasonably drought-resistant once established

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Wildlife gardens
Rock garden
Flower borders and beds
Garden edging
Ground cover

Pruning

Trim back spent flower stems to maintain shape

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildew